Hello! As a licensed marriage and family therapist of 25 years, I’ve worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of issues. Four primary areas stand out in my work. MARRIAGE AND INTIMACY ISSUES are dear to my heart. I’ve studied male/female differences, co-written a book on struggles for achieving intimacy, and found that marriages can be revitalized, couples can discover new intimacy even after emotional wounds and betrayals, and communication is marriage’s lifeblood. 

For DIVORCE ISSUES I have led workshops nationally, written counseling columns for divorce newsletters, and keynoted at conferences. Men and women miss each other despite the best of intentions in our increasingly intense world. Many spin out of control and seek more from intimate others than anyone has to give at the end of any given day. When blame and loneliness abound without intervention, the marriage often ends. There are stages to divorcing that, when recognized, can help folks endure these painful times with grace and respect. 

Remarriage is a new world unto its own. Many go through its unstable doors with hurts unhealed, fantasies unrealized, and denial-based hope guiding their love. With counseling, reality based discussions on blending two lives and families ground everyone, transitions can be eased, and new love finds fertile soil in which to root.  Self – esteem/ Personal Growth issues for men and women are critical. Empowerment is still needed and often coaching can help people find steady ground on which to build or re-build lives. Many are afraid they are ugly, incompetent, unlovable, inadequate and incapable of change. Therapy is so valuable to them because myths can be dispelled, new choices become available, and the short-term therapy process helps re-stabilize their rickety emotions. Spiritual growth issues abound.  Carl Jung noted that all therapy over the age of 35 is spiritual because we face death more directly. We deal with the sum total of who we are, who we aren’t, who we’d like to be, and where we are going. With clinical help, people can explore new paths for getting there.

I’ll close by adding that depression becomes a symptom of many of the above issues, transitions are challenging for even the more mature among us, the corporate climate creates high anxiety and tenuous stability, and family relationships are the first to suffer. Insight helps, solutions to real problems are critical to find, and clarification of needs is paramount. Communication becomes vital to success. I look forward to meeting you in person…or… through tele-counseling. 

You may find my eTherapy services at: eTherapy Services

All counseling services are open to men and women over age 18.

Services offered: Psychotherapy, spiritual direction, coaching, Speaking/Consulting

Specialties: Addictions recovery; Anxiety/Panic; Co-dependency; Depression; Employment; Family; Geriatrics; Parenting; Stress Management; Spiritual Issues; Self Esteem/Growth; Step/Blended Families; Women's Issues; Divorce Counseling; Life transitions; Remarriage Preparation Sessions

Client profile: Male/Female; 18 and over

Payment/Conditions: All face-to-face clinical sessions are $85 per 55 minute session. Most insurance is accepted. Call Gwynn to clarify your status: 757-253-0371. Sliding fees are sometimes available for those without insurance. Email me directly with those requests.

Credentials/Training: MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University EDD in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University 30 credits in theology from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary

License: VA - MFT - 0717000588

Listed: 12-27-02